Section 16.40.060 – Landscaping and Irrigation · Landscaping and Irrigation City of St....

Landscaping and Irrigation City of St. Petersburg City Code – Chapter 16, Land Development Regulations

1 Revised 02.29.2008

Section 16.40.060 – Landscaping and Irrigation Sections: 16.40.060.1 Purpose 16.40.060.2 Landscaping and Irrigation 16.40.060.2.1 Landscaping 16.40.060.2.1.1 Development & Redevelopment of Property other than Private One and Two Unit

Properties Green Yard, Exterior Green yard, Interior Foundation landscaping Perimeter parking lot landscaping Required square footage of landscape area Terminal islands Interior islands Divider medians Curbing Screening abutting residential uses Landscaping adjacent to fences, walls, or dumpster enclosures Landscaping adjacent to mechanical equipment on site Landscaping within the adjoining public rights-of-way Protection of existing specimen trees Protection of existing native plant communities

16.40.060.2.1.2 Additional Requirements for New and Existing Properties other than Private One and Two Unit Properties

16.40.060.2.1.3 Development & Redevelopment of Private One and Two Unit Properties 16.40.060.2.1.4 Additional Requirements for New & Existing Private One and Two Unit Properties 16.40.060.2.1.5 Utilities and Utility Easements 16.40.060.2.1.6 Landscape Specifications 16.40.060.2.1.7 Variances from required landscaping 16.40.060.2.2 Irrigation 16.40.060.3 Maintenance of Trees and Vegetation 16.40.060.3.1 Maintenance of trees and vegetation for all properties within the City 16.40.060.3.2 Clearance of lots in preservation areas 16.40.060.4 Lot Clearing 16.40.060.4.1 Notice of violation 16.40.060.4.2 Appeals 16.40.060.4.3 Authority of City to remedy prohibited condition by lot clearance 16.40.060.4.4 Assessment and lien for costs of lot clearance 16.40.060.4.5 Action to abate cumulative to other penalties, remedies 16.40.060.1 Purpose The purpose of this Section is to improve the appearance, environment, character and value of the total urban area within the City by protecting, promoting and maintaining a healthy, diverse and mature canopy of native and naturalized hardwood and evergreen tree species and by requiring vegetation and the installation and maintenance of vegetation on private property in a manner which conserves water. Implementation of these requirements reduces water consumption, reduces stormwater runoff, reduces impervious surface area, increases the urban canopy, and enhances the aesthetic appearance and value of the City, thereby promoting the public health and general welfare. Water conservation shall be achieved by the selection of appropriate plant materials, the removal of


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nuisance and invasive vegetation, the use of water efficient landscaping and irrigation systems, and appropriate maintenance. 16.40.060.2 Landscaping and Irrigation 16.40.060.2.1 Landscaping 16.40.060.2.1.1 Development and Redevelopment of Property other than One and Two Unit

Properties A. Applicability. The following requirements shall apply to all development and redevelopment

other than single family and duplex properties.

1. Development means for the purposes of this Section, the construction of a new building, any required parking area, or any new parking area.

2. Redevelopment means for the purposes of this Section, any development proposal which: (1) requires Development Review Commission, Community Preservation Commission, or Community Redevelopment Agency review and approval; (2) requires additional parking; (3) seeks to expand the gross floor area of an existing building by more than 15 percent; or (4) requires a building permit based on the value for interior or exterior work or a combination thereof, equal to or exceeding the percentage shown in the following table (“appraised value” means the total value for ad valorem tax purposes according to the Property Appraiser of Pinellas County, Florida):

Total redevelopment cost of project as a percentage of total appraised value

Total appraised value of land and structure

50 percent Less than $50,000

45 percent $50,000 to $99,999

40 percent $100,000 to $149,999

35 percent $150,000 to $199,999

30 percent $200,000 to $249,999

25 percent $250,000 or more

3. Existing properties which do not have an approved landscape plan and which perform exterior (building, site, or a combination thereof) work that requires a permit from the City, but which do not meet the definition of “development” or “redevelopment” shall provide landscaping which is at least 10 percent (%) of the value of the permitted work. These landscape materials shall meet one (1) or more of the landscape specifications in this Section. A landscape permit is required.

B. Landscape permit required. A landscape permit shall be required for the installation or

replacement of landscape required by this Section.

1. A landscape plan shall be submitted in accordance with this section.

2. An irrigation plan showing the use of an automatic low-volume irrigation system designed specifically for the proposed landscape installation shall also be provided. This plan shall include a site plan using a readable and defined scale, illustrating the proposed irrigation


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zones and delineating micro-irrigation zones and areas utilizing irrigation techniques other than micro-irrigation.

C. Installation of landscape materials.

Installation of landscape materials shall be in accordance with the approved landscape plan and shall be installed in a sound, workmanlike manner and in accordance with recognized and accepted planting procedures as determined by the International Society of Aboriculture or the Pinellas County Cooperative Extension Service.

D. Minimum Landscape Requirements.

1. Green Yard, Exterior. Green yards shall be provided in all yards abutting streets. Except for surface parking lots, if the required front yard (setback) is smaller than the required green yard, the required green yard shall be the depth of the required front yard. For sites with irregular frontage, the POD may allow the green yard to vary in width but it shall extend for the entire frontage and provide the equivalent square feet of green yard along the same frontage. Green yards shall be landscaped as follows:


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Site location/zoning Required green yard depth for all abutting streets (not alleys)

Minimum required tree landscaping (per lineal feet of

property frontage)

DC-C, DC-1, DC-2, DC-3, DC-P, CCT-1, CCT-2,

CRT-2 5 feet One shade tree per 35 linear feet

or fraction above half thereof

EC 20 feet on major streets, 10 feet on other streets.

Three shade trees per 50 linear feet or fraction above half thereof

All other districts 10 feet Two shade trees per 50 linear feet or fraction above half thereof

2. Green yard, Interior. Interior green yards, when not abutting vehicle use areas, shall be

provided along all interior property lines and property lines abutting alleys. The minimum width of all interior green yards shall be five (5) feet unless the required side or rear yard is smaller, in which case the required green yard shall be the depth of the required interior side or rear yard. A minimum of one (1) shade tree per 50 linear feet or fraction above half thereof is required. Under-story trees may be substituted for shade trees on a 1-1/2 for 1 basis.

3. Foundation landscaping. a. A minimum of one (1) foundation plant is required for each linear foot, and one (1)

under-story tree is required for each 30 linear feet (or portion thereof), of the exterior building perimeter. Foundation plantings may be comprised of shrubs, accent plants, ornamental grasses, and ground cover in any combination provided that no less than 50 percent of the total required materials are shrubs, accent plants and/or ornamental grasses. When calculating the minimum number of required plants, the linear distance of openings for overhead or loading area doors, motor vehicle bays or entrances to the building, or the perimeter of attached or detached canopies shall be excluded. Foundation plants may be planted in groupings so long as the minimum number of required plants is provided. The foundation landscaping shall be required on all building sides except those sides facing an alley. Foundation landscaping shall abut the building and shall be used or installed in such a manner so as to screen mechanical equipment attached to or adjacent to the building, provide direction to and enhance entrances and walkways, and provide visual breaks along monotonous building facades.

b. Properties located within the CRT, CCT and DC-1 – DC-3 districts. Building elevations or portions of building elevations not visible from the street, excluding alleys, shall not be required to have foundation landscaping. Where reduced building setbacks along streets physically prevent the installation of foundation landscaping, it shall not be required.

4. Vehicular use landscaping/screening requirements. Vehicular use areas shall meet

the following additional requirements:

a. Perimeter parking lot landscaping. A minimum of one (1) shade tree per 35 linear feet (or portion thereof) shall be planted around the perimeter of vehicular use areas. A continuous hedge comprised of shrubs planted not more than 30 inches on center shall be planted around the perimeter of the vehicular use area. Additional


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landscaping shall not be required for the perimeter parts of the vehicular use area adjacent to the building(s).

(1) Properties located within the CRT, CCT, and DC-1 – DC-3 districts. Parking lots

or portions of parking lots not visible from the streets excluding alleys shall not be required to install perimeter landscaping. Where a parking space is designed perpendicular to the streets, excluding alleys, such that the front of the space requires the headlights to shine onto the streets a 4-foot high solid masonry wall or decorative wood or vinyl fence shall be erected.

b. Interior parking lot landscaping. Interior parking lot landscaping shall be provided

as follows:

(1) Required square footage of landscape area. For all vehicular use areas with more than 10 parking spaces, a minimum of 10 percent of the vehicular use area shall be devoted to interior landscaping. In calculating this percentage, the area shall include both pervious and impervious portions of the vehicular use area. Terminal and interior islands and divider medians shall be used to comply with required interior parking lot landscaping. The following diagram illustrates an example of areas which shall qualify as interior landscaping.


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(2) Terminal islands. Each row of parking spaces shall end with terminal islands to separate parking from adjacent drive lanes. Each terminal island shall measure at least five (5) feet in width by 18 feet in length, measured from the inside of the curb. Within terminal islands, one (1) shade tree shall be required for every 150 square feet (or fraction above half thereof), with a minimum of one (1) shade tree required per terminal island. Terminal islands shall be landscaped with shrubs, accent plants, ornamental grasses and ground cover, excluding turfgrass, planted to provide 100 percent coverage within two (2) years. Shrubs, accent plants and ornamental grasses in islands adjacent to parking spaces shall be set back a minimum of two (2) feet behind the back of the curb to provide for pedestrian access to parked vehicles.

(a) Properties located within the CRT, CCT and DC-1 – DC-3 districts. Parking

lots or portions of parking lots not visible from the streets excluding alleys, shall not be required to install terminal islands.

(3) Interior islands. Each interior island shall measure at least five (5) feet in

width by 18 feet in length, measured from the inside of the curb. Interior islands less than five (5) feet in width, measured from the inside of the curb, shall not be credited towards interior landscaping. Within interior islands, one (1) shade tree shall be required for every 150 square feet (or fraction above half thereof), with a minimum of one (1) shade tree required per interior island.

(4) Divider medians. Landscaped divider medians shall form a continuous

landscaped strip between abutting rows of parking areas or access drives. The minimum width of a divider median shall be five (5) feet, measured from the inside of the curb. One (1) shade tree or two (2) under-story trees shall


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be required for each 30 linear feet of divider median (or fraction above half thereof). Shrubs shall be planted in divider medians which separate parking areas from access drives to form a continuous hedge the full length of the divider median.

c. Curbing. Non-mountable concrete curbing shall be provided within all parking areas

to prevent vehicles from encroaching onto and overhanging required plantings, sidewalks, rights-of-way or adjacent property. Wheel stops may be substituted at the closed end of parking stalls where they abut required plantings or sidewalks.

(1) Curbing may be placed within the parking space up to 2.5 feet from the closed

end of the parking stall. When curbing is utilized, the 2.5-foot wide strip may be landscaped when abutting green space.

(a) Landscaping shall be low-growing to accommodate the vehicular overhang. (b) The landscaped area within the parking space counts toward parking lot

interior landscaping requirements and toward any overall site landscaping requirements. However, the landscaped area does not count toward green yard, perimeter landscaping or divider median requirements.

(2) Wheel stops shall be located 2.5-feet from the closed end of the parking stall.

Wheel stops shall have a minimum height of six (6) inches above finished grade of the parking area and shall be properly anchored and maintained in good condition.

d. Screening abutting residential uses. Where vehicular use areas abut property

used for a one or two unit residence, a five (5) foot high solid masonry wall or decorative wood or vinyl fence shall be installed in such a manner so as to screen the vehicular use area from the adjacent one or two unit residential use. Where this wall or fence requirement is applied to properties with existing mature shade trees, the wall or fence may be truncated and supplemented with trees and shrubs to achieve the purpose of this subsection.

5. Landscaping adjacent to fences, walls, or dumpster enclosures. The exterior of any

opaque fence, wall, or dumpster enclosure visible from any street shall be landscaped with a minimum of one (1) shrub for every four (4) linear feet and one (1) under-story tree for every 25 linear feet.

6. Landscaping adjacent to mechanical equipment on site. Mechanical equipment,

(e.g. such as backflow preventers, utility cabinets, and air conditioners, etc.) visible from streets excluding alleys shall be landscaped with a continuous hedge comprised of shrubs planted no more than 30 inches on center.

7. Landscaping within the adjoining rights-of-way. a. Landscaping within the adjoining rights-of-way shall be provided in accordance with

an approved streetscape plan or, where an approved streetscape plan does not exist, plantings shall be comprised of low growing shrubs, accent plants, ornamental grasses, ground cover or St. Augustine sod in any combination. Where landscaping material is used in the right-of-way within four (4) feet of the curb or road edge and there is no approved landscape plan, it shall not exceed six (6) inches in height above the top of the adjacent curb, or if there is no curb, the road bed, provided that the landscape material does not result in a hazard or impairment to vehicular or


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pedestrian traffic.

b. Properties located within the CRT, CCT, and D-1 – D-3 districts. Within these districts, landscaping shall be provided in accordance with an approved streetscape plan or, where an approved streetscape plan does not exist, in accordance with the following: One (1) shade tree per 30 linear feet shall be provided. Ground cover plantings shall be comprised of shrubs, accent plants, ornamental grasses, ground cover or St. Augustine sod in any combination provided that no less than 25 percent of the total landscape area is planted with low growing shrubs, accent plants, ornamental grasses or ground cover.

8. Protection of existing specimen trees.

a. Specimen trees existing on a site other than properties zoned DC, CCT-2 and CRT-2

shall be preserved. The number of existing specimen trees to be preserved on a site shall be determined as follows:

Total Inches (dbh) of existing

Specimen Trees on Site Minimum % of Inches of existing Specimen Trees to be Preserved

50 or less 50% 51 - 100 40% 101 - 150 30%

Greater than 150 25%

b. Existing trees which will remain on the property and which are identified on the

landscape plan may satisfy some or all of the required landscaping provided that the trees meet the quantity, applicable species and size requirements.

c. Existing trees to be preserved shall be protected from construction-related impacts by

placement of suitable protective barriers, constructed to specifications issued by the POD, which shall remain in place until such time as the removal of the protective barrier is authorized by the POD. It shall be unlawful for any person in the construction of any structures or other improvements to place solvents, material, construction machinery, or temporary or permanent soil deposits within six feet or two-thirds of the drip line, whichever is greater, of any tree identified on the landscape plan which is to remain on the site. No attachments or wires shall be attached to any protected tree.

d. Whenever a change of elevation takes place that raises or lowers the ground level

elevation at or within the drip line of any existing tree, a method to preserve the existing ground elevation within the drip line shall be utilized. Such methods include but are not limited to tree wells, dry wells, retaining walls and terracing. The method of protection shall be subject to approval by the POD. In addition to any other penalties, the direct or indirect destruction of existing trees by failure to comply with appropriate protection during construction shall be a violation of this section. Existing trees which are destroyed during development or work shall be replaced on a two to one (2:1) ratio.

9. Protection of existing native plant communities.

a. For vehicular use areas, where healthy, native vegetation exists on a site prior to its


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development, in part or in whole, the POD may adjust the requirements of this Section to allow credit for such plant material (excluding palms, any sick, topped or damaged trees, or any trees included on the prohibited species tree list) provided that the POD finds such an adjustment is in keeping with and will preserve the intent of this Section.

b. For residential and residential mixed use developments within the coastal high

hazard zone greater than 2.5 acres and for residential and residential mixed use developments outside of the coastal high hazard zone greater than 20 acres, not less than 25 percent of the native vegetation shall be preserved.

c. All other types of new development subject to special exceptions or site plan review

shall preserve a portion of the native vegetation on the site. For new development less than five (5) acres, not less than 10 percent of the native vegetation shall be retained. For new development five (5) or more acres, not less than 15 percent of the native vegetation on site shall be retained.

16.40.060.2.1.2 Additional Requirements for New and Existing Properties other than One and Two Unit Properties; Ground cover, private property. Permeable portions of private property including required yards shall be maintained with an herbaceous layer of sod or ground cover plant material. 16.40.060.2.1.3 Development and Redevelopment of New One and Two Unit Properties A. New single family or duplex properties shall meet the following landscape requirements prior

to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy:

1. A minimum of two (2) trees a minimum of eight (8) feet in height shall be located on the lot which shall be Florida Grade No. 1 or better, and shall be of the following species:

Cedar, southern red (Juniperus virginiana) Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) Holly, american (Ilex opaca) Holly, dahoon (Ilex cassine) Holly, east palatka (Ilex attenuate ‘east palatka’) Holly, yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) Magnolia, little gem (Magnolia grandiflora ‘little gem’) Any shade tree listed in this Section (see 16.40.060.2.1.6)

2. A minimum of 10 shrubs, accent plants or ornamental grasses a minimum of 18 inches in

height, shall be located in the front yard. Shrubs, accent plants and ornamental grasses shall be Florida Grade No. 1 or better.

3. Existing vegetation of the above species and height shall be eligible to meet this

requirement. 4. Each property shall have an irrigation system for all landscaped areas. 5. All required yards shall be maintained as permeable landscaped vegetative green space.

16.40.060.2.1.4 Additional Requirements for New and Existing Private One and Two-Family

Properties


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A. Required permeable green space for yards abutting public roadways. Required front

yards and required side yards abutting streets shall be maintained as permeable landscaped vegetative green space with the exception of necessary driveways, walks, patios and similar paved areas and non-organic mulch areas, which areas combined shall not exceed 25 percent of the required yard area for corner lots and 45 percent of the required yard area for inside lots. Facilities constructed to achieve compliance with ADA requirements shall be exempt from this surface calculation. Yards abutting streets which do not conform to the provisions herein and which existed as of August 25, 1977, are grandfathered and exempt from this subsection.

B. Ground cover, private property. Permeable portions of private property including required

yards shall be maintained with an herbaceous layer of sod or ground cover plant material. C. Ground cover, rights-of-way. Permeable portions within the adjoining rights-of-way shall

be maintained in accordance with an approved streetscape plan or, where an approved streetscape plan does not exist, with an herbaceous layer of sod or ground cover plant material. Where landscaping material is used in the right-of-way within four (4) feet of the curb or road edge and there is no approved landscape plan, it shall not exceed six (6) inches in height above the top of the adjacent curb, or if there is no curb, the road bed, provided that the landscape material does not result in a hazard or impairment to public vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

D. Mulch. Organic mulch is a beneficial addition to landscaping in many situations including

providing a surface covering under shrubs, or where ground cover material is maturing. The intention of these regulations is to allow mulch within a landscape design while not allowing an entire yard to only be covered with mulch.

1. Installation Standards. Where used in lieu of sod or ground cover plant material, organic

mulch shall be placed to a minimum depth of three (3) inches. The top level of the mulch shall not exceed the height of the immediately adjacent ground surface. Mulch shall not be placed directly against a plant stem or tree trunk. Non-organic ground covers including decorative gravel or crushed stone shall be allowed only in planting areas (e.g., in gardens or hedge areas) and not as a substitute for sod, ground cover or organic mulch.

2. Limits on installation on private one and two unit properties:

a. Organic mulch may be used without limit underneath shrubs and trees, provided the

ground cover, shrubs, trees or a combination thereof are planted and maintained at a cumulative ratio of at least one (1) plant or tree, planted within the mulch per each 50 square feet of organic mulched area;

b. No more than 50 percent of the required front and street side yard may be covered with mulch;

c. Where a mulch parking surface has been permitted pursuant to the Parking and

Loading Design Section, a separation consisting of an herbaceous layer of sod or ground cover of not less than eight (8) foot in width shall be provided between the parking area and any adjacent mulch area allowed pursuant to this section.

3. Limits on installation in rights-of-way. Organic mulch may be used in permeable areas of

the right-of-way to keep moisture in the soil while other forms of approved ground cover plant material are maturing. Mulch is prohibited within four (4) feet of the curb or road


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edge if there is no curb. Mulch in the right-of-way must be contained within borders sufficient to prevent flotation of mulch into the roadway. With the exception of permitted driveway or sidewalk materials, the use of shell, rock or other similar hardened non-organic surface materials in the right-of-way is prohibited.

E. Irrigation, existing private one and two-family properties. A permanent irrigation system

is not required for existing private one and two unit properties; however, where one is installed it shall be designed to avoid runoff, overspray or other similar conditions where water flows onto or over adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, walkways, roadways or structures. Irrigation systems shall be maintained so there are no broken irrigation heads or leaks. Automatic sprinkler systems shall install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred.

16.40.060.2.1.5 Utilities and Utility Easements No person shall plant a tree or shrub in a utility easement. Any vegetation planted in a utility easement shall be herbaceous vegetation and shall not interfere with the use of the easement for utility purposes. 16.40.060.2.1.6 Landscape Specifications A. Unless otherwise specified, all landscape materials shall meet the following specifications:

TREES: SHADE

All required shade trees shall measure a minimum of ten (10) feet in height and two (2) inches diameter at breast height (dbh) at the time of planting. All shade trees shall be rated Florida Grade No. One and

selected from the following list.

Light Requirements Water Requirements common scientific native

sun mix shade low med high cypress, bald Taxodium distichum X X X elm, chinese (drake) Ulmus parvifolia X X elm, Florida Ulmus americana ‘floridana’ X X X elm, winged Ulmus alata X X X loblolly bay Gordonia lasianthus X X X magnolia, southern* Magnolia grandiflora X X X magnolia, sweetbay* Magnolia virginiana X X X

maple, Florida Acer saccharum, 'floridanum' X X X

maple, red Acer rubrum X X X mulberry, red* Morus rubra X X X oak, live Quercus virginiana X X X pine, long-leaf Pinus palustris X X X pine, slash Pinus elliottii X X X sugarberry* Celtis laevigata X X X sweetgum* Liquidambar styraciflua X X X sycamore Platanus occidentalis X X X tupelo Nyssa sylvatica X X X willow, weeping Salix babylonica X X

* Tree produces berries or seed pods, which make it an unsuitable choice for locations near parking or sidewalk spaces.


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Other shade trees identified as "Florida Friendly" by the Southwest Florida Water Management District will be considered.

TREES: UNDERSTORY

All required understory trees shall measure a minimum of eight (8) feet in height and 1.5 inches diameter at breast height (dbh) at the time of planting. All understory trees shall be rated Florida Grade No. One and

selected from the following list.

Light Requirements Water requirements common scientific native

sun mix shade low med high bay, red Persea borbonia X X X bay, silk Persea humilis X X X bay, swamp Persea palustris X X X buttonwood, green Conocarpus erectus X X X

buttonwood, silver Conocarpus erectus 'sericeus' X X X

cedar, southern red Juniperus virginiana X X X

crape myrtle, 'Natchez' Lagerstroemia indica 'natchez' X X

crape myrtle, 'Muskogee'

Lagerstroemia indica 'muskogee' X X

hawthorn, summer Crataegus flava X X X holly, american Ilex opaca X X X holly, dahoon Ilex cassine X X X holly, east palatka Ilex attenuata 'east palatka' X X X holly, weeping yaupon Ilex vomitoria 'pendula' X X X holly, yaupon Ilex vomitoria X X X ligustrum Ligustrum japonicum X X

magnolia, 'little gem' Magnolia grandiflora 'little gem' X X

oak, sand live Quercus virginiana ‘geminata’ X X X plum, chickasaw Prunus angustifolia X X X plum, flatwoods Prunus umbellata X X X plum, pigeon Coccoloba diversifolia X X X plum, saffron Bumelia celastrina X X X podocarpus (tree form) Podocarpus macrophyllus X X seagrape (tree form) Coccoloba uvifera X X X sweet acacia Acacia farnesiana X X X wild olive Cordia boissieri X X Other understory trees identified as "Florida Friendly" by the Southwest Florida Water Management District will be

considered.

TREES: PALMS All required palm trees shall measure a minimum height of eight (8) feet clear trunk. Palm trees identified

with an ^ may be substituted on a 1 for 1 basis with shade tree planting requirements. Palm trees identified with a + may be substituted on a 3 for 1 basis with shade tree planting requirements. All palm trees shall be credited on a 1 for 1 basis towards understory tree planting requirements. All palms trees

shall be rated Florida Grade No. One and selected from the following list. Light Requirements Water requirements

common scientific native sun mix shade low med high

Bismarck palm ^ Bismarckia nobilis X X


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cabbage palm + Sabal palmetto X X X date palm, Canary Island ^ Phoenix canariensis X X date palm, Medjool ^ Phoenix dactylifera X X date palm, pygmy Phoenix roebelenii X X date palm, silver Phoenix sylvestris X X fan palm, ribbon Livistona decipiens X X foxtail palm Wodyetia bifurcata X X paurotis palm Acoelorrhaphe wrightii X X X pindo palm Butia capitata X X royal palm, Cuba ^ Roystonea regia X X royal palm, Florida ^ Roystonea elata X X X thatch palm, Florida Thrinax radiata X X X triangle palm Neodypsis decaryi X X

traveler’s palm Ravenala madagascariensis X X

windmill palm Trachycarpus fortunei X X Other palm trees identified as "Florida Friendly" by the Southwest Florida Water Management District will be

considered.

SHRUBS

All required shrubs shall measure a minimum of 24 inches in height at the time of planting. Shrubs required to create a hedge shall be planted not more than 30 inches on center. Shrubs shall be rated

Florida Grade No. One and selected from the following list.


sun mix shade low med high anise, yellow Illicium parviflorum X X X buttonwood, green Conocarpus erectus X X X

buttonwood, silver Conocarpus erectus 'sericeus' X X X

cocoplum, redtip Chrysobalanus icaco X X X gallberry Ilex glabra X X X hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis X X

holly, dwarf yaupon Ilex vomitoria 'schilling dwarf' X X

ixora Ixora coccinea X X podocarpus Podocarpus macrophyllus X X privet, Florida Forestiera segregata X X X seagrape Coccoloba uvifera X X X silverthorn Elaeagnus pungens X X simpson stopper Myrcianthes fragrans X X X

viburnum, awabuki Viburnum odoratissum 'awabuki' X X

viburnum, sandankwa Viburnum suspensum X X viburnum, sweet Viburnum odoratissimum X X viburnum, walters Viburnum obovatum X X X

Other shrubs identified as "Florida Friendly" by the Southwest Florida Water Management District will be considered.

ACCENT (and massing) PLANTS


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All required foundation plants, accent plants shall be a minimum of one gallon nursery specification at the time of planting. Plants shall be rated Florida Grade No. One and selected from the following list.


sun mix shade low med high allamanda Allamanda cathartica X X allamanda Allamanda neriifolia X X american beautyberry Callicarpa americana spp. X X X azalea, Florida flame Rhododendron austrinum X X X azalea, Pinxter or Piedmont Rhododendron canescens X X X azalea Rhododendron spp. X X bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae X X bougainvillea Bougainvillea glabra X X butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa X X X cardboard plant Zamia furfuracea X X cast-iron plant Aspidistra elatior X X christmasberry Lycium carolinianum X X X coontie Zamia floridana X X X copperleaf Acalypha wilkesiana X X crinum lily Crinum spp. X X croton Codiaeum variegatum X X firebush Hamelia patens X X X firespike Odontonema cuspidata X X ginger, shell Alpinia zerumbet X X golden dewdrop Duranta evecta X X hawthorn, indian Raphiolepsis indica X X hibiscus, red Hhibiscus coccineus X X X iris, african Dietes spp. X X lady palm Rhapis excelsa X X mimosa, sunshine Mimosa strigillosa X X X milkweed, scarlet Asclepias curassavica X X needle palm Rhapidophyllum hystrix X X philodendron Philodendron spp. X X plumbago Plumbago auriculata X X palmetto, saw Serenoa repens X X X shrimp plant Justicia brandegeana X X snowberry Chiococca alba X X X snow bush Breynia disticha X X thryallis Galphimia gracilis X X turks-cap Malvaviscus arboreus X X varnish leaf Dodonaea viscosa X X X white indigoberry Randia aculeata X X X wild coffee Psychotria nervosa X X X yellow necklace pod Sophoratomentosa ‘truncata’ X X X

Other accent plants identified as "Florida Friendly" by the Southwest Florida Water Management District will be considered.


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ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

All required foundation plants, ornamental grasses shall be a minimum of one gallon nursery specification at the time of planting. Plants shall be rated Florida Grade No. One and selected from the following list.


sun mix shade low med high fakahatchee grass Tripsacum dactyloids X X X fakahatchee grass, dwarf Tripsacum floridanum X X X gulf muhly grass Muhlenbergia capillaris X X X sand cordgrass Spartina bakeri X X X salt marsh cordgrass Spartina patens X X X Other ornamental grasses identified as "Florida Friendly" by the Southwest Florida Water Management District will

be considered.

GROUND COVER

All required foundation plants, ornamental grasses shall be a minimum of one gallon nursery specification at the time of planting. Plants shall be rated Florida Grade No. One and selected from the following list.


sun mix shade low med high aztec grass Ophiopogon spp. X X beach sunflower Helianthus debilis X X X beach morning glory Ipomoea imperati X X X blue daze Evolvulus glomerata X X coral honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens X X X jasmine, Asiatic (minima) Trachelospernum asiaticum X X jasmine, downy Jasminum multiflorum X X juniper, Parson Juniperus davurica X X juniper, shore Juniperus conferta X X lantana, trailing Lantana montevidensis X X liriope, evergreen giant Liriope 'evergreen giant' X X mimosa, sunshine Mimosa strigillosa X X X porterweed Strachytarpheta jamaicensis X X X railroad vine Ipomoea pescaprae X X X sage, tropical Salvia coccinea X X X sea oxeye daisy Borrichia frutescens X X X sea purslane Sesuvium portulacastrum X X X twinflower Dyschoriste oblongifolia X X X Other foundation plants identified as "Florida Friendly" by the Southwest Florida Water Management District will be

considered. B. Native vegetation requirements. The species of required landscape materials shall be

selected based on the existing and neighboring vegetative communities, soil types, proposed function of the materials, cold tolerance, existence of utilities or overhead power lines, and aesthetics.

C. Exempt trees. Due to their status as exotic species or invasive species, the following tree

species may be removed from private property without a permit and shall not be used to meet the vegetation required by this Section:


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EXEMPT TREES

Common Scientific Place of Origin Acacia, earleaf Acacia auriculiformis Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia Australian pine Casuarina equisetifolia South Pacific, SE Asia (Australia) Australian pine Casuarina cunninghamiana South Pacific, SE Asia (Australia) Avocado Persea americana Central America Brazilian pepper Schnius terebinthifolius Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides Australia Cherry laurel Prunus Caroliniana North America Chinaberry Melia azederach Asia Citrus Inc. orange, lemon, lime, kumquat, etc. Eastern Asia Ear Enterolobium cyclocarpum Central America Eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. Exc. silver dollar variety Australia Ficus Ficus spp. Exc. banyan South America Italian cypress Cupressus sempervirens South Europe Jacaranda Jacaranda acutifolia Brazil Jerusalem thorn Parkinsonia aculeata Central America Loquat Eriobotrya japonica China Mango Mangifera indica India Monkey puzzle tree Araucaria spp. Australia Norfolk Island pine Araucaria excelsa Norfolk Island Orchid Bauhinia spp. Eastern Asia (India, China) Palms Exc. Cabbage and Royal Royal Poinciana Delonix regia Madagascar Punk Melaleuca quinquenervia Australia, New Guinea, Solomon Isle. Silk oak Grevillia robusta Australia Toog Bischofia javanica Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands Woman's tongue Albizia spp. Tropical Asia, Northern Australia

D. Prohibited trees. It shall be unlawful to plant or cause to be planted within the City limits the

following exotic and nuisance plant species: Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius), punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia), Australian pine tree (Casuarina equisetifolia).

16.40.060.2.1.7 Variances from required landscaping A. Where unique conditions related to existing buildings, dimensional aspects of platted lots, or

a lack of available space or water to support the required landscape materials preclude strict compliance with this Section, the POD may adjust the requirements of this Section as follows:

1. Relocation of required landscape materials or landscape areas to other parts of the

property or the abutting right-of-way;

2. Substitution of additional site amenities for required landscaping shall be allowed on at least a dollar for dollar ratio and shall serve a public purpose whose need is demonstrated for the site. Acceptable site amenities shall include decorative pedestrian lighting, street furnishings where necessary, enhanced sidewalks of paver block or hex block, decorative street signs, and neighborhood and business district signs.


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B. Requests for variances shall be reviewed by the Development Review Commission (DRC). C. Variances from the “protection of native existing plant communities section” hereof for sites

which cannot accommodate both the native vegetation requirement and the development or redevelopment shall only be granted with the condition that the following mitigation be performed. Mitigation on-site shall recreate a native plant community in all three (3) strata (ground cover, under-story and trees), utilizing plant materials at least twice as large as normally required (to more quickly recreate the lost mature vegetation). Mitigation may be off-site if the mitigation enhances or enlarges existing large tract wildlife areas as shown on the Biological Resources Map. No variance from this subsection shall be allowed.

16.40.060.2.2 Irrigation

A. Irrigation Design and Layout. Irrigation systems are required for the development and

redevelopment of property other than one and two unit properties. Irrigation systems shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Irrigation systems shall be water efficient irrigation systems designed to provide no more

than the minimum amount of water required by any specific landscape material to ensure survival of that material. Irrigation system piping shall be underground. Such systems shall utilize a combination of sprinkler mechanisms and zones to accommodate the individual irrigation requirements of each type of landscape material, including trees, shrubs, ornamentals and turf areas.

2. Irrigation systems shall be designed to provide 100 percent coverage and to prevent

overspray, runoff, low land drainage and other conditions where water flows onto or over adjacent property, non-irrigation areas, water features and impervious areas.

3. Irrigation systems shall be operated by an automatic irrigation controller or timer which

has sufficient programming flexibility to respond to the needs of the irrigation devices being used and is capable of irrigating high requirement areas on a different schedule from low water requirement areas (provided that separate zones exist), has program flexibility (to allow repeat cycles and multiple program capability) and battery backup (to retain programs).

4. The design of the irrigation system shall include sprinkler heads and devices appropriate

for the landscape material to be irrigated. Sprays and rotors shall not be on the same control value circuit and shall have matching application rates within each zone. Sprinkler spacing shall not exceed 55 percent of the sprinkling diameter of coverage.

5. Irrigation systems shall be designed with low trajectory heads, micro irrigation or low-

volume water distributing devices in order to prevent overspray onto impervious areas. Micro irrigation systems shall not be used to irrigate turf areas. Sprinkler heads in and adjacent to lawn areas shall be designed to be flush with the ground surface when not in use.

6. Irrigation systems shall be designed to place high water demand areas, such as lawns,

on separate zones from those areas with reduced water requirements. 7. A rain sensor device or switch shall be installed to regulate the controller's operation that

will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when ½ to 3/4 inch of rainfall has occurred on any day.


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8. Irrigation rates for each zone shall be calculated and noted on the irrigation plans.

B. Irrigation System Maintenance.

1. The irrigation system shall be maintained and managed to ensure water efficiency and prevent wasteful practices. This shall include, but not be limited to resetting the automatic controller according to the season, flushing the filters, testing the rain sensor device, monitoring adjusting, and repairing irrigation equipment such that the efficiency of the system is maintained, repairing broken irrigation heads and leaks; replenishing mulch, utilizing turf and landscape best operational procedures designed to reduce negative impacts on the environment.

2. Landscape areas should not be watered when wind speeds exceed five miles per hour.

16.40.060.3 Maintenance of Trees and Vegetation 16.40.060.3.1 Maintenance of trees and vegetation for all properties within the City A. The owner of record of the property and occupant of the property are responsible for the

maintenance of trees and vegetation on private property and in abutting rights-of-way. Vegetation shall comply with all codes including visibility at intersections and requirements for hedges. Where support cabling/bracing of vegetation is provided at the time of installation, the cables and braces shall be removed no later than one year after installation to prevent damage to the vegetation.

B. Vegetation shall be maintained in good condition so as to present a healthy, neat and orderly

appearance and shall be kept free from refuse and debris. All plant materials shall be maintained free from physical damage or injury arising from lack of water, chemical exposure, insects, disease, blight or other cause. Exceptions regarding damage due to lack of water shall be made when water consumption is limited by emergency orders or declarations by state or local agencies.

C. Except for those tree species listed as exempt, it shall be unlawful for any person to damage,

top, poison or in any manner injure or cause to be injured any tree regardless of condition. 1. Trees shall be trimmed or pruned in such a manner so as to not alter their natural form,

growth habit or character and shall not be pruned into "unnatural" shapes, including but not limited to, circles, ovals, or squares. This does not prevent the removal of limbs from the throat of the trunk.

2. Not more than one-third of the tree canopy shall be trimmed or pruned in any year unless

it is dead. This includes, but is not limited to, species such as crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) and holly (Ilex spp.)

D. Turf, turfgrass or other herbaceous growth other than ground cover species shall be

maintained at a maximum overall height of ten inches or less; ground cover plant material shall be maintained at an overall height not to exceed 24 inches. Property designated as preservation area shall not be required to meet these standards. Property owners who employ Florida-friendly, xeriscape or wildlife habitat management principles such that their private property or adjacent right of way does not meet these criteria shall have a management plan and demonstrate active, ongoing maintenance. Management plans shall be plans designed by a landscape architect, plans which employ accepted Florida-friendly and xeriscape management practices, and plans approved by the University of Florida


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Institute of Food and Agricultural Science's (IFAS) Urban Wildlife Habitat program. Examples of activities addressed in maintenance plans include routine pruning, mowing, edging, weeding, fertilizing, pest control, irrigation system adjustments, seeding and replanting. Florida-friendly and xeriscape management plans shall also incorporate these principles: 1) vegetation plan and design; 2) analyze and amend the soil; 3) limit turf to active use areas; 4) select appropriate plant species; 5) irrigate efficiently; 6) use mulch; and 7) maintain the landscape appropriately. Wildlife habitat areas shall consist of native and introduced plant species designed, planted and maintained to provide food source, cover, roosting and nesting habitat for specific species.

E. Vegetation which is a hazard to public safety is prohibited in the right-of-way. Hazardous

vegetation with pronounced thorns (such as Spanish Bayonet, Century plant, Bougainvilla, and lime trees) shall not be closer than two feet to a sidewalk or walkway. Hedges are prohibited in the right-of-way except as allowed by the Fences, Walls and Hedges Section.

F. Vegetation adjacent to public sidewalks and public streets shall not encroach onto the

sidewalk or street surface except that turf or turf grass and ground cover should be kept trimmed to the edge of the sidewalk or street surface but may encroach up to six inches. The branches of trees and shrubs which grow above sidewalks shall provide a minimum of eight (8) feet of vertical clearance and above streets and alleys a minimum of fourteen (14) feet of vertical clearance.

G. It is unlawful for any person to permit to remain on any property, owned or occupied by such

person, including the abutting rights of way, any tree or tree branch that is in such diseased or dead condition so as to be in danger of falling upon any right-of-way or the property of another.

H. It shall be unlawful to dispose of grass clippings, tree trimmings and other vegetative material

in the right of way or on the property of another or upon any street or alley or into waters within the City or directly or indirectly into the municipal storm sewer system. This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of mulching lawn equipment.

I. It shall be unlawful for any owner or, occupant of property, including the abutting right-of-way,

to allow to exist upon the property or abutting right-of-way vegetation or trees which violate this section.

J. Unless approved by the POD, rights of way shall be maintained at a level and even grade.

K. The removal of vegetation or trees required by this Section and the failure to replace required

vegetation or trees when such vegetation or tree dies or is removed, shall be unlawful. Replacement vegetation or trees shall meet the size and grade requirements of this Section.

16.40.060.3.2 Clearance of lots in preservation areas No person shall clear, disturb or remove any vegetation or dead or living plant life located within any preservation area without a permit issued by the POD for such work. 16.40.060.4 Lot Clearing 16.40.060.4.1 Notice of violation A. If the POD finds and determines that vegetation which violates the maintenance standards in

this Section exists and determines that the City should correct the violation, the POD shall


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notify the owner(s) of record of the property in writing and demand that such owner cause the violation to be remedied. The notice shall be given by first class mail, addressed to the owner(s) of record of the property described, as their name(s) and address are shown upon the records of the County Property Appraiser, and shall be deemed complete and sufficient when so addressed and deposited in the United States mail with proper postage prepaid. Notice shall also be posted upon the property on which the violation exists Notice may be served by hand delivery to the owner(s) of record of the property in lieu of mailing.

B. The notice shall be substantially in the following form:

NOTICE OF VIOLATION

Date _________________ I inspected your property (describe property) on or about (date) and found the following conditions (describe conditions) that are a violation of City Code Chapter 16. You are hereby notified that you must correct these violations by (date). If all conditions are not corrected by this date, the City will cut, trim, edge and/or clear the property to correct the violations of the City Code. To properly perform this maintenance, the City will also remove any junk, rubbish or other material from the property. The cost of this work, advertising costs, administrative costs and other expenses will be imposed as a special assessment lien on the property described. You can appeal the finding that there is a violation by filing a written appeal to the City Clerk within ten (10) days of the date of this notice. City of St. Petersburg By:________________________________ POD

16.40.060.4.2 Appeals A. Within ten days after the date of the notice, the owner or the designated agent of the owner

may file an appeal to show that the violation alleged in the notice does not exist. The appeal shall be in writing and must be filed with the City Clerk.

B. The POD shall hold a hearing at such reasonable time and place as the POD determines.

The POD shall establish rules and regulations for conducting the hearing. At the hearing, the City and the owner or the designated agent of the owner may introduce such evidence as is deemed necessary. The POD's decision shall be final and the owner shall have exhausted all administrative remedies.

16.40.060.4.3 Authority of City to remedy prohibited condition by lot clearance If no appeal has been made or, if made, a hearing has been held and has concluded adversely to the owner and the violation is not corrected within five days following the date of the hearing, the POD shall cause the violation to be corrected. The POD shall have authority to clear the property and cause the cutting and removal of plant life when such cutting and removal is necessary to correct the violation and the costs of such cutting and removal, as well as such administrative and other costs as are necessary to correct the violation shall be charged against the property as a special assessment as provided in this Section. The POD is hereby authorized and directed to remove any and all materials, matter, objects, junk or rubbish on the property when the removal of the other material is


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reasonably necessary to correct the violation. 16.40.060.4.4 Assessment and lien for costs of lot clearance A. Preliminary assessment roll. After causing the violation to be corrected the POD shall

determine the cost involved in correcting the violation including all administrative and other costs as are necessary to correct the violation, and shall determine the proportionate costs that each property should bear. The POD shall cause a preliminary assessment roll to be prepared containing a complete list of the properties and of properties abutting street right-of-way upon which violations were corrected, setting opposite each property the cost of doing said work, which shall be submitted to City Council.

B. Public hearing. The City Council shall hold a public hearing on the preliminary assessment

roll after publication of notice. One notice shall be published in a daily newspaper of general circulation at least five (5) days prior to the public hearing. Notice shall be mailed to each owner listed on the preliminary assessment roll by first class mail and shall be deemed complete and sufficient when mailed. The notice shall be in substantially the following form:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING You are hereby notified that the City of St. Petersburg, Florida, has corrected violations of the vegetation maintenance standards of Chapter 16 on properties in the City of St. Petersburg and has determined the amount to be assessed against each of said properties to defray the cost thereof. A list of said properties and of properties abutting street rights-of-way upon which violations were corrected and the amount to be assessed against each of said properties is on file and open for inspection in the office of the City Clerk of the City of St. Petersburg, Florida. You are further notified that the City Council of the City of St. Petersburg will hold a public hearing on the day of , , at ___ __m., or as soon thereafter as it may be held, in the Council Chambers at the City Hall in the City of St. Petersburg, Florida, for the purpose of hearing any and all objections that any affected party may wish to offer as to why said assessments should not be made final.

C. Approval of preliminary assessment roll. The City Council shall meet on the date, and at the place specified in the notice and hear any and all objections that any person affected by said proposed assessment wishes to offer as to why said assessments should not be made final, and shall correct any and all mistakes or errors appearing upon said preliminary assessment roll. The City Council shall then confirm the preliminary assessment roll, as submitted or as corrected, and the assessment roll shall then be final.

D. Amounts assessed to constitute lien. When the preliminary assessment roll is confirmed by

the City Council and made final, the amounts assessed against the respective properties shall, from the date of said confirmation, be and constitute a special assessment lien against the respective properties superior in dignity to all other liens and encumbrances of whatever kind and character save and except ad valorem taxes levied and assessed by the State, County or City and shall be of equal dignity with such taxes and shall remain a special assessment lien against the properties until paid. Upon confirmation of the assessment roll by the City Council, the POD shall immediately cause the assessment roll to be filed in the office of the City Clerk, and it shall be kept there for public inspection during business hours. The POD may file and record, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, notice of the special assessment liens against the said properties, showing thereon the amount and nature of the lien and a legal


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description of the property. E. Interest on special assessment liens. The principal amount of all special assessment liens

under this section which remains unpaid after thirty days from the date of confirmation of the special assessment by Council shall bear interest at the rate of twelve percent per annum from the date of confirmation through the period of time which is two years after the date of confirmation. Interest at eighteen percent, rather than at twelve percent, shall be charged on the principal amount for the period of time beginning two years from the date of confirmation of the special assessment by Council until the principal and interest are paid in full. All interest shall also constitute a lien against the property assessed of equal dignity to the principal amount of the lien.

F. Records of liens and interest due. The POD shall keep complete records relating to the

amount payable for the liens and interest and may from time to time send a statement of the principal and interest due upon such liens to the record owners of the property upon which the liens exist.

G. Enforcement of liens. At any time after the expiration of 30 days from the date of confirmation

of the assessment roll, the City may proceed to foreclose the special assessment lien in the manner prescribed in F.S. Ch. 173 or as otherwise permitted by law.

16.40.060.4.5 Action to abate cumulative to other penalties, remedies Any action taken in regard to the disposal, abatement or removal of a violation of the maintenance standards shall be considered cumulative and in addition to penalties and to other remedies provided elsewhere by ordinance or law.

Section 16.40.060 – Landscaping and Irrigation · Landscaping and Irrigation City of St....

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Transcript of Section 16.40.060 – Landscaping and Irrigation · Landscaping and Irrigation City of St....